Animal enclosure with removable drain plug

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional U.S. patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to and benefit of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/011,452 filed Jan. 29, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and benefit of patent application Ser. No. 29/539,652 filed Sep. 16, 2015 (now issued) and also provisional application No. 62/109,606 filed Jan. 29, 2015, and also co-pending patent application Ser. No. 14/452,010 filed Aug. 5, 2014, which is a non-provisional of provisional application No. 61/862,393 filed Aug. 5, 2013, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to structures for housing animals and more particularly to portable pet kennels and pet crates. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to portable pet crates for housing or transporting dogs.

Various types of structural enclosures for storing and transporting animals are known in the art. Conventional portable animal crates such as those used for housing and transporting dogs typically include a plastic or metal wire construction and include an interior enclosure with a selectively openable door. Conventional portable animal crates generally include a single-layer construction such as a single layer of plastic, metal or wire mesh. The single-layer material forms the structural support and also defines the enclosure space within the interior of the crate. Conventional single-layer animal crates of this type are generally sized to easily fit in the bed of a truck or the cargo area of a sport-utility vehicle, and such crates are often used by sportsmen, disabled persons, rescue, military and/or law enforcement personnel for storing and transporting dogs. Such conventional portable animal crates provide a benefit of being relatively lightweight and portable such that a single person can lift and move the crate. Additionally, these types of conventional animal crates are generally sized to accommodate only the animal or animals to be housed within, thereby enhancing the portable nature of the product.

One problem with conventional portable animal crates is the interior environment may become soiled during use. For example, many portable plastic animal crates include a bottom that is continuously molded into the side walls rising from the bottom. As such, any liquid or animal waste accumulation inside the bottom of the crate will remain in the crate. When such crates are used with wet animals or in wet conditions, water and mud has a tendency to accumulate in the bottom of the crate. This generally creates an uncomfortable environment for the animal. Moreover, the accumulation of water in the bottom of an animal crate may be harmful to animals in wet cold conditions such as those experienced by sporting dogs during winter hunting seasons. Additionally, the lack of drainage in the crate makes it difficult to wash out the interior of the crate with a spray hose.

A further problem with conventional portable animal crates includes the inability of a crate to be easily secured to a structure such as the bed of a pickup truck or the interior of a sport utility vehicle. During travel, it is often preferable to have the crate securely tied down to a rigid object. Many conventional plastic animal crates do not include external attachment points for securing webbing, rope, or other supports to the crate. Users of conventional crates often place tie-downs over the roof of the crate. However, without attachment points, the tie-down material may slip or become dislodges, especially during wet weather, or during a high-impact situation such as a vehicle accident. When a tie-down becomes loose, the crate may undesirable separate from the vehicle and further injure the animal housed within. Conventional animal crates also have a tendency to slide on surfaces when unsecured. This may further enhance the potential for damage to the crate and/or the animal inside the crate during transport.

What is needed, then, are improvements to animal enclosures to address these and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a portable animal enclosure having numerous features to address one or more of the problems noted above.

A portable animal enclosure apparatus includes a kennel body. A door opening is defined at a first end of the kennel body, and a rear wall is defined at a second end of the kennel body opposite the door opening. A door frame is disposed on the kennel body at the door opening. A door is disposed on the door frame, and the door is pivotally attached to the door frame and is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the enclosure is rotational molded.

In further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a portable animal kennel apparatus including an outer wall and an opening shaped to allow the animal to enter and exit the kennel. A door is pivotally attached to the kennel body at a door hinge. In some embodiments, the kennel apparatus is rotational molded.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a portable animal kennel apparatus including a first housing member including a first inner wall and a first outer wall spaced by a first wall gap, and a second housing member including a second inner wall and a second outer wall spaced by a second wall gap. The first and second housing members are securable together to form a housing for the animal. In some embodiments, the first and second housing members are both rotational molded.

In some embodiments, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a double-walled animal enclosure for housing animals during transportation.

A further object of the present disclosure in some embodiments is to provide an animal enclosure having improved structural rigidity and stability.

Yet another object of the present disclosure in some embodiments is to provide an animal enclosure with improved thermal insulation of the enclosed space, during hot and/or cold conditions.

Another object of the present disclosure in some embodiments is to facilitate attachment of the animal enclosure to a structure using integral attachment bars.

A further object of the present disclosure in some embodiments is to prevent the enclosure from slipping across a surface during use by using non-skid feet.

Yet another object of the present disclosure in some embodiments is provide an animal enclosure with a moat and drain hole that will allow liquid accumulation to exit the interior of the enclosure.

Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower housing member for an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an upper housing member for an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an upper housing member for an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door open about ninety degrees from a closed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door open greater than about 180 degrees from a closed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door open about 270 degrees from a closed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of Section <b>12</b>A-<b>12</b>A from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of Section <b>12</b>B-<b>12</b>B from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> in an alternative embodiment.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of Section <b>13</b>A-<b>13</b>A from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> in an alternative embodiment.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of Section <b>13</b>B-<b>13</b>B from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> in an alternative embodiment.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure having a cross-sectional plane of reference.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with an air gap between inner and outer walls.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure having a filler material between inner and outer walls.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door frame in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door frame in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door frame installed in an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door frame installed in an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a door in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door partially open in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door in closed position in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with a door in an open position in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure showing an exploded view of a side grille in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a side grill in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with the door assembly positioned for right hand opening in accordance with the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an animal enclosure with the door assembly positioned for left hand opening in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an embodiment of an animal enclosure (also referred as a kennel or crate) designated by the numeral <b>10</b>. Animal crate, animal enclosure, or kennel <b>10</b>, includes a housing or kennel body <b>12</b> defining an interior space shaped and sized to accommodate one or more animals. In some embodiments, kennel body <b>12</b> is shaped to accommodate a dog. Kennel <b>10</b> is also shaped and sized to be portable in some embodiments. The size and shape of kennel <b>10</b> allows kennel <b>10</b> to be easily transported from a residence or building to a vehicle or other mode of transportation. Additionally, in some embodiments, kennel <b>10</b> is portable and is shaped and sized to comply with one or more regulations for traveling with pets on commercial airlines.

Kennel <b>10</b> includes a door <b>24</b> hingedly attached to the kennel body <b>12</b>. Door <b>24</b> includes a metal wire construction to allow airflow through the door into and out of the interior enclosure in some embodiments. Door <b>24</b> includes a latch <b>26</b> selectively engageable with a corresponding strike-plate <b>28</b>. The strike-plate <b>28</b> is mounted on the door frame adjacent the door opening <b>48</b> to provide additional rigidity. When door <b>24</b> is fully closed, door <b>24</b> covers door opening <b>48</b>. Door <b>24</b> is pivotable about a door hinge <b>30</b> located on or near kennel body <b>12</b>. Door <b>24</b> may freely rotate about door hinge <b>30</b> to open or close door <b>24</b>.

Kennel <b>10</b> also includes first and second handles <b>22</b><i>a</i>, <b>22</b><i>b </i>positioned on the kennel body <b>12</b>. In some embodiments, first and second handles <b>22</b><i>a</i>, <b>22</b><i>b </i>are located on the kennel roof <b>16</b> at front and rear positions in some embodiments. Handles <b>22</b> may include any suitable handles, and in some embodiments include a nylon webbing material with a rubberized grip region. Handles <b>22</b> are secured to kennel body <b>12</b> using one or more handle fasteners. As such, the handles <b>22</b> may be removed and replaced in the event a handle becomes damaged or worn.

Kennel body <b>12</b> includes a two-piece construction in some embodiments. Kennel body <b>12</b> includes an upper housing member <b>18</b> and a lower housing member <b>20</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-6</figref>. Each of upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> may be formed independently of each other and subsequently joined together to form kennel <b>10</b>. In some embodiments, upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> are secured together using one or more fasteners <b>78</b><i>a</i>, <b>78</b><i>b</i>, <b>78</b><i>c</i>, etc. seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Each fastener extends between upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> to provide a connection between the members. In some embodiments, lower housing member <b>20</b> includes a plurality of fastener holes <b>58</b> to allow passage of fasteners <b>78</b>. A corresponding socket or other fastener receiver may be located at a corresponding location on upper housing member <b>18</b>. In some embodiments, threaded sockets <b>74</b> are molded into upper housing member <b>18</b> to receive a threaded end of a fastener <b>78</b> inserted upwardly toward upper housing member <b>18</b>. In alternative embodiments, threaded sockets are installed in lower housing member to receive fasteners installed through corresponding fastener holes defined in the upper housing member <b>18</b>.

Kennel <b>10</b> may be provided fully assembled using fasteners <b>78</b>, or may be sold with upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> separated to reduce packaging size. Kennel <b>10</b> is configured in some embodiments such that a user may construct or disassemble the upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> together simply by stacking the members and installing or removing fasteners <b>78</b>. To ease the assembly procedure, in some embodiments, lower housing member <b>20</b> includes one or more pilot protrusions <b>66</b><i>a</i>, <b>66</b><i>b</i>, <b>66</b><i>c </i>extending upwardly toward upper housing member <b>18</b>. Each pilot protrusion <b>66</b> is shaped to fit in a corresponding pilot recess <b>68</b><i>a</i>, <b>68</b><i>b</i>, <b>68</b><i>c </i>defined in a corresponding lower edge of upper housing member <b>18</b>. In some embodiments, each pilot protrusion <b>66</b> and pilot recess <b>68</b> is formed surrounding a fastener hole <b>58</b>. This arrangement allows upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> to be biased to an aligned position when stacked such that it becomes easier to install fasteners <b>78</b>.

Kennel <b>10</b> includes a double-walled construction in some embodiments. As such, kennel <b>10</b> includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner and outer walls are separated by a gap, and a space is provided between the inner and outer walls, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>. An upper gap <b>40</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> is defined between inner and outer walls on upper housing member <b>18</b>, and a lower gap <b>42</b> is defined between inner and outer walls on lower housing member <b>20</b>. A plurality of integrated support standoffs, or kiss-offs, may be positioned in the gap to provide local structural support between opposing walls. Each support standoff may extend from an outer wall to an inner wall, or vice versa, to provide a local structural reinforcement. Each standoff at its maximum depth may contact the opposing wall. In some embodiments, each standoff at its maximum depth engages and is molded to the opposing wall. In some embodiments, the gap between inner and outer walls is filled with air. As such, kennel <b>10</b> in some embodiments includes a region of air space between inner and outer walls. The region of air space may provide enhanced insulation for the kennel without adding significant weight. This is advantageous in many applications, as the air insulation layer may provide improved thermal performance in both hot and cold conditions. Additionally, the double-walled construction including inner and outer walls separated by a gap provides greater strength and resistance to impact as compared to conventional single-walled animal crates. Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, in some embodiments, upper housing member <b>18</b> includes an upper inner wall <b>70</b> and an upper outer wall <b>72</b>. Upper inner and outer walls <b>70</b>, <b>72</b> may be continuously formed from a plastic or polymer material in some embodiments. Similarly, lower housing member <b>20</b> includes a lower inner wall <b>60</b> and a lower outer wall <b>62</b>. Lower inner and outer walls <b>60</b>, <b>62</b> may also be continuously formed from a plastic or polymer material in some embodiments.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>, in some embodiments, the gap between inner and outer walls is filled with a filler material. The filler material <b>44</b> may include a foam or expanded foam material in some embodiments. Alternatively, filler material <b>44</b> may include a fiber, resin, polymer, or any other suitable filler material. Filler material <b>44</b> spans the gap between inner and outer walls on upper and/or lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b>. Filler material <b>44</b> provides additional strength to kennel body <b>12</b>. Filler material <b>44</b> also provides additional thermal insulation for keeping the interior of kennel <b>10</b> cool or warm. In some embodiments, upper housing member <b>18</b> includes a first filler material <b>44</b><i>a</i>, and lower housing member <b>20</b> includes a second dissimilar material <b>44</b><i>b</i>. In other embodiments, first and second filler materials <b>44</b><i>a</i>, <b>44</b><i>b </i>are substantially the same. In some embodiments, only one of upper and lower housing members includes a filler material.

Although the double-walled construction of kennel body <b>12</b> may be formed using any suitable process, in some embodiments, kennel body <b>12</b> includes a double-walled construction formed using a rotational molding manufacturing process, sometimes referred to as roto-molding. In such embodiments, upper housing member <b>18</b> is formed independently of lower housing member <b>20</b>. In separate molds. In alternative embodiments, kennel body <b>12</b> includes a single rotational molded unitary construction having inner and outer walls, and kennel <b>10</b> is not split into upper and lower housing members. In some embodiments, the inner and outer walls are continuously formed in a molding process and are joined continuously around the edges. This provides a unitary molded object with a double-walled construction for each component of kennel body <b>12</b>. The continuous one-piece construction having inner and outer walls increases strength for the kennel <b>10</b> and improves thermal performance.

Kennel <b>10</b> also includes a plurality of vent holes, or windows <b>50</b><i>a</i>, <b>50</b><i>b</i>, etc. Each vent hole provides an opening in a side of the kennel to allow air to flow into or to leave the enclosed space within the interior of the kennel. Each vent hole <b>50</b> is bordered by upright vent supports <b>51</b><i>a</i>, <b>51</b><i>b</i>, etc. Vent holes <b>50</b> and corresponding vent supports <b>51</b> may be located in upper housing member <b>18</b> only, in lower housing member <b>20</b> only, or on both upper and lower housing members <b>18</b>, <b>20</b>. Each vent support <b>51</b> provides increased structural rigidity and strength to the kennel <b>10</b>. For example, a double-walled region may typically include only two layers with a space or filler material in between. However, vent supports <b>51</b> provide two extra local transverse walls facing adjacent vents, further increasing strength. As seen in a cross-sectional view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> taken along the plane <b>15</b>A from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, an embodiment of a vent support <b>51</b><i>a </i>includes an outer support wall <b>53</b><i>a</i>, an inner support wall <b>53</b><i>b</i>, a first side support wall <b>53</b><i>c </i>facing first vent hole <b>50</b><i>a</i>, and a second side support wall <b>53</b><i>d </i>opposite first side support wall and facing second vent hole <b>50</b><i>b</i>. The addition of first and second side support walls <b>53</b><i>c</i>, <b>53</b><i>d </i>provides transverse walls that provide additional strength to the kennel <b>10</b>. The supports <b>51</b> also provide reinforcement in the area around a pet's head when located on upper housing member <b>18</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, an inclined vent ramp <b>92</b> is defined at the lower end of each vent hole <b>50</b> in some embodiments. Each vent ramp <b>92</b> includes a sloped surface, sloping downwardly from the local inner wall to the outer wall. The vent ramp <b>92</b> having a surface that slopes downwardly from the inner wall toward the outer wall allows rain or other moisture incident on the region between vent supports to drain outwardly away from the interior of the kennel <b>10</b>. This helps to keep the interior of the kennel dry when transported or used in wet conditions.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, each support <b>51</b> may include a hollow interior region filled with air. In other embodiments, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, each upright support includes a filler material <b>44</b> that is dispersed throughout the region between inner and outer walls on kennel body <b>12</b>. Although upright supports <b>51</b> are shown in a vertical orientation in the figures, the supports <b>51</b> may include other angled or curved upright orientations in other embodiments.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, in some applications, a moat <b>54</b> is defined around the perimeter of floor <b>56</b> on the interior of kennel body <b>12</b>. Moat <b>54</b> provides a recessed region for draining water off of floor <b>56</b>. Moat <b>54</b> includes a slightly lower elevation than the floor <b>56</b>. In some embodiments, moat <b>54</b> includes a depth greater than about ½ inch. In other embodiments, moat <b>54</b> includes a depth of between about ½ inch and about two inches. As such, liquid inside the enclosure may accumulate in moat <b>54</b> while floor <b>56</b> stays relatively dry.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a drain hole <b>64</b> is defined in one or more walls of kennel body <b>12</b>. In some embodiments, drain hole <b>64</b> is defined in or near the rear wall <b>88</b>. Drain hole <b>64</b> allows liquid to exit the kennel <b>10</b>. A removable drain plug <b>80</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, is installed in drain hole <b>64</b>. Drain plug <b>80</b> may be removed to allow liquid to exit kennel <b>10</b>. An additional drain recess <b>55</b> is defined in moat <b>54</b> adjacent drain hole <b>64</b> in the floor in some embodiments. The drain recess <b>55</b> allows liquid to more easily escape through drain hole <b>64</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, in some embodiments a plug recess <b>82</b> is formed adjacent drain hole and drain plug <b>80</b>. Plug recess <b>82</b> is integrally formed to provide additional structural integrity and also to recess drain plug <b>80</b> so that it does not protrude beyond the rear outer profile of kennel housing <b>12</b>. During use, drain plug <b>80</b> may be removed so that the kennel <b>10</b> will drain water from a wet animal to the exterior of the kennel <b>10</b>.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-9</figref>, kennel <b>10</b> in some embodiments includes a door <b>24</b> that is moveable from a fully closed position to a fully open position. In the closed position, indicated by line <b>27</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, door <b>24</b> covers door opening <b>48</b>. Door <b>24</b> may be opened about door hinge <b>30</b> away from the door opening. Door <b>34</b> includes an L-shaped door bracket <b>34</b> in some embodiments. Door bracket <b>34</b> is secured at one end to door <b>24</b> and at the other end to door hinge <b>30</b>. As such, door bracket <b>34</b> provides an angled extension protruding from a vertical edge of door <b>24</b>. In some embodiments, door bracket <b>34</b> is substantially ninety degrees. In other embodiments, door bracket <b>34</b> includes any other suitable angle. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, door <b>24</b> may be opened to a first angle <b>25</b><i>a </i>of ninety degrees or greater. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, door <b>24</b> may be further opened to a second angle <b>25</b><i>b </i>greater than 180 degrees from the fully closed position indicated by line <b>27</b>.

A kennel bracket <b>32</b> protrudes from kennel body <b>12</b> in some embodiments, and door hinge <b>30</b> is positioned on the distal end of kennel bracket <b>32</b>. Door hinge <b>30</b> is offset from the nearest outer side wall of kennel body <b>12</b> by a door hinge offset distance, or first offset distance <b>36</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. First offset distance <b>36</b> is generally the normal distance between the door hinge and the local outermost side wall surface. Similarly, door hinge <b>30</b> is offset from the plane of door <b>24</b> by a door bracket offset distance <b>38</b>, or second offset distance, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. In some embodiments, door bracket offset distance <b>38</b> is equal to or greater than door hinge offset distance <b>36</b>. This allows door <b>24</b> to be rotated to a third angle <b>25</b><i>c </i>shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> about 270 degrees away from the closed position to a location alongside the outer wall of kennel body <b>12</b>. In this configuration, door <b>24</b> may be opened and swung around to the side of kennel body <b>12</b> in a compact position. This allows kennel <b>10</b> to remain open without having door <b>24</b> extending outwardly from kennel body <b>12</b> and taking up too much space.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, in some embodiments, kennel <b>10</b> includes numerous integrated attachment bars located near the upper corners of kennel body <b>12</b>. First and second attachment bars <b>52</b><i>a</i>, <b>52</b><i>b </i>are located along a first edge of kennel body <b>12</b>, and third and fourth attachment bars <b>52</b><i>c</i>, <b>52</b><i>d </i>are located along a second edge of kennel body <b>12</b>. Each attachment bar is located in a corresponding attachment recess <b>63</b> integrally formed in the outer wall of kennel body <b>12</b>. Each attachment bar <b>52</b> is mounted in a socket such that the bar spans its associated attachment recess <b>63</b>. As such, the attachment bars are flushly mounted along the outer profile of the kennel body and do not undesirably extend outwardly from the kennel body where they could become broken or damaged. Additionally, the corresponding attachment recess <b>63</b> surrounding each attachment bar <b>52</b> provides clearance space for passage of one or more tie-downs, webbing, strap, rope or chains for securing kennel <b>10</b> to a structure such as a truck bed. Each attachment bar <b>52</b> also allows kennel <b>10</b> to be locked securely to a structure to prevent theft of kennel <b>10</b> in some embodiments. In some embodiments, first and second attachment bars <b>52</b><i>a</i>, <b>52</b><i>b </i>are separate metal bars each installed in its own socket. In other embodiments, first and second attachment bars <b>52</b><i>a</i>, <b>52</b><i>b </i>form one continuously metal bar inserted through the entire length of kennel body <b>12</b>.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in some embodiments kennel <b>10</b> includes integrated truss members <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>. A first integrated truss member <b>84</b> is formed along the roof and upper side walls of upper housing member <b>18</b>. First integrated truss member <b>84</b> includes an integrally molded support region extending farther downwardly into the enclosure than the surrounding inner wall regions, forming an integrated truss. First integrated truss member <b>84</b> is located adjacent door opening <b>48</b> in some embodiments. Similarly, a second integrated truss member <b>86</b> is formed along the inner wall of upper housing member <b>18</b> in some embodiments near the rear of the kennel. Second integrated truss member <b>86</b> may be formed adjacent rear wall <b>88</b> in some embodiments. First and second integrated truss members <b>84</b>, <b>86</b> provide additional structural rigidity to upper housing member <b>18</b> and particularly to roof <b>16</b>. This provides additional strength when kennel <b>10</b> is loaded externally from above or from the sides.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 11</figref>, in some embodiments, kennel <b>10</b> includes one or more non-skid feet <b>76</b> disposed along the bottom of kennel body <b>12</b>. Each foot <b>76</b> includes a not-skid material such as a rubber, polymer, urethane, etc. Each foot <b>76</b> protrudes downwardly from the lower outer wall on lower housing member <b>20</b>. Each foot <b>76</b> may be integrally molded into the lower housing member <b>20</b> during a casting or molding procedure. Alternatively, each foot <b>76</b> forms a separate component that is installed on lower housing member <b>20</b> after molding. Each foot <b>76</b> prevents kennel <b>10</b> from inadvertently sliding on a surface during use or during transport. Additionally, feet <b>76</b> may reduce or dampen vibrations felt by the animal housed within kennel <b>10</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, one or more lock flanges <b>98</b> extend from kennel body <b>10</b> in some embodiments. Each lock flange <b>98</b> includes a flange including a hole or recess for attaching a lock, cable, tie-down or other securement device. Each lock flange <b>98</b> includes a structure that may be sandwiched or clamped between upper and lower housing members. Each lock flange may be removed when not in use by disassembling upper and lower housing members.

In some alternative embodiments, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-32</figref>, various additional embodiments of an animal enclosure, crate or kennel are shown. Kennel <b>10</b> includes a door mounted on a hinge. The door includes a door molded of a reinforced polymer material in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the door includes a glass-reinforced nylon material formed by injection molding. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the door is mounted to the kennel along a vertical edge of the door. A piano-type upright hinge is positioned between the door and a frame member to allow the door to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the kennel.

An embodiment of a door frame <b>200</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. The door frame includes a hoop-shaped frame formed of a rigid material such as metal, composite, polymer, or any other suitable material. The door frame <b>200</b> may be mounted proximate to the opening of the kennel in some embodiments. The door frame is seated in a corresponding frame recess <b>240</b> molded or otherwise formed in the kennel at the opening of the kennel. The door frame <b>200</b> may be secured to the kennel using one or more mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, or other suitable fasteners. In some embodiments, the frame <b>200</b> is fit in place using a mechanical interference fit or a friction fit with the kennel itself. The door frame includes a rigid one-piece material that is bent to match the shape of the opening in the kennel in some embodiments. The door frame material comprises aluminum in some embodiments to provide strength and corrosion-resistance while also reducing weight of the kennel. The door frame <b>200</b> in some embodiments is held in place on the kennel using one or more threaded fasteners each inserted through a hole in the frame <b>200</b> and engaging a corresponding threaded socket positioned on the kennel. In some embodiments, the threaded sockets are integrally molded or otherwise embedded in the kennel. The door frame includes a hinge side <b>202</b> and a latch side <b>204</b>. The door mounts to the frame on the hinge side using a door hinge <b>206</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. The door hinge may include any suitable hinge.

In some embodiments, door hinge <b>206</b> includes a piano-type hinge having a first hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>attached to the frame, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, and a second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>attached to the door <b>208</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>. First hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>is secured to the frame <b>200</b> using one or more fasteners in some embodiments. An intermediate mounting member, or jamb plate <b>210</b> is positioned on the hinge side <b>202</b> of the frame <b>200</b> in some embodiments. The jamb plate <b>210</b> is secured directly to the frame material, such as the aluminum bar forming the hoop-shaped frame member in some embodiments. The jamb plate <b>210</b> may be welded directly to the frame material, or in other embodiments, the jamb plate <b>210</b> is secured to the frame material using one or more mechanical fasteners. The first hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>is secured to the jamb plate <b>210</b> in some embodiments. As such, the jamb plate <b>210</b> provides a mounting member on which to mount the hinge <b>206</b> or a portion of the hinge. The opening of the frame <b>200</b> has a tapered profile that narrows laterally at the top and narrows laterally at the bottom of the frame opening. The jamb plate <b>210</b> provides a continuous linear upright mounting location that spans a sufficient vertical distance to mount a linear piano hinge in some embodiments such that the height of the hinge is proportional to the height of the door. For example, in some embodiments, the hinge height is greater than 50% of the height of the door. Providing a continuous linear hinge height that is proportional to the height of the door prevents the door from inadvertently twisting or flexing during use.

Opposite the hinge side of the door <b>202</b> is the latch side of the door <b>204</b>. The latch side of the door provides a location where the door latch may engage one or more structures to secure the door in a closed position. In some embodiments, a latch <b>242</b> is disposed on the door, and the latch includes a latch member <b>243</b> protruding laterally from the latch toward the kennel wall. The latch member <b>243</b> is selectively moveable to engage or disengage a strike plate for opening and closing the door. In some embodiments, a strike plate <b>212</b> is mounted on the latch side <b>204</b> of door frame <b>200</b>. Strike plate <b>212</b> may be a separate item that is fastened in place on the door frame using one or more fasteners in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments, strike plate <b>212</b> is welded to the door frame member. In further embodiments, strike plate <b>212</b> is integrally formed on the frame member material. The latch member engages a corresponding recess or void in the strike plate to secure the door in a closed position.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20-21</figref>, the hoop-shaped door frame together with the strike plate and the jamb plate <b>210</b> form a door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is installed on the kennel at the door opening. In some embodiments, the first hinge member is mounted on the jamb plate <b>210</b> along the hinge side of the door frame.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, a door <b>208</b> includes a door hinge side and a door latch side. The door <b>208</b> includes a mating second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>mounted on the door hinge side of the door <b>208</b>. The second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>includes a continuous linear piano hinge member in some embodiments. Second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>may be fastened to door <b>208</b> using one or more mechanical fasteners. In additional embodiments, second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>may be integrally formed on door <b>208</b> or welded on door <b>208</b>. Door <b>208</b> includes a door height H<b>2</b> greater than the height of the door hinge H<b>1</b>. In some embodiments the ratio of H<b>1</b>/H<b>2</b> is between about 0.5 and about 1.0. In other embodiments, the ratio of H<b>1</b>/H<b>2</b> is between about 0.7 and about 1.0.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, door <b>208</b> includes a plurality of upright door bars <b>214</b><i>a</i>, <b>214</b><i>b </i>integrally formed in the door. The door bars <b>214</b> are separated by gaps between the door bars. The gaps between the door bars provide openings where air may circulate into or out of the kennel. In some embodiments, a porous grille <b>216</b> is positioned between the door bars covering the openings. The porous grille <b>216</b> includes a honeycomb pattern in some embodiments, providing passages in the grille inside the honeycomb pattern. The grille <b>216</b> operates to prevent an animal's extremities from passing through the openings between the door bars in some applications. The door bars <b>214</b> and porous grille <b>216</b> are all integrally formed in the door <b>208</b> in some embodiments. The door bars <b>214</b> and porous grille <b>216</b> may be formed in an injection molding manufacturing process as a unitary, one-piece molding in some embodiments.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, in some embodiments, door <b>208</b> includes a door flange <b>209</b>, also seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. Door flange includes a portion of door <b>208</b> that extends outwardly from the door around the perimeter of the door. In some embodiments, door flange <b>209</b> is continuous along the top and bottom of the door and along the latch side of the door. In other embodiments, door flange <b>209</b> only extends from the door along a portion of the perimeter of the door along the top or bottom of the door or along the latch side of the door. Door flange <b>209</b> extends outwardly beyond the opening defined by the door frame such that the door flange <b>209</b> interferes with the door frame when the door is moved to a closed position. As such, a portion of door flange <b>209</b> rests against the outwardly facing portion of the door frame when the door is in a closed position. The door flange <b>209</b> thus provides an angular stop for the door when the door is angularly moved about hinge <b>206</b> relative to the door frame.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, one or more non-skid feet are positioned on the kennel to support the kennel when positioned against a surface such as ground, a floor, or the inside of a vehicle or truck bed. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a kennel with a door in a partially open position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> shows a left side elevation view of an embodiment of a kennel. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> shows a right side elevation view of an embodiment of a kennel. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a kennel. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> shows a back elevation view of an embodiment of a kennel. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> shows a left side elevation view of an embodiment of a kennel with a side opening grille installed. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> shows a top view of an embodiment of a kennel. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 38 and 39</figref> show embodiments of a kennel <b>10</b> including a door <b>208</b> secured to the door frame <b>200</b> at a continuous linear vertical hinge <b>206</b>. The hinge is secured to the frame using an intermediate jamb plate <b>210</b> to provide a vertical mounting location for the hinge. The jamb plate <b>210</b> is secured to the frame using a fastener. In additional embodiments, the jamb plate <b>210</b> is a jamb member integrally formed on a portion of the door frame. In such embodiments, the hinge attaches directly to the door frame.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, an embodiment of a kennel with a door in an open position is shown. Door <b>208</b> is attached to frame <b>200</b> using a hinge <b>206</b>. Hinge <b>206</b> includes a first hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>secured to the door frame <b>200</b>, and hinge <b>206</b> includes a second hinge member <b>206</b><i>b </i>secured to the hinge side of the door <b>208</b>. Hinge <b>206</b> forms a linear piano-type hinge in some embodiments. Hinge <b>206</b> includes a vertical orientation in some embodiments. Hinge <b>206</b> is secured to door <b>208</b> using a plurality of fasteners in some embodiments. First hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>is secured to a portion of frame <b>200</b> forming a vertically-straight jamb plate, providing a substantially flat, upright mounting surface for securing first hinge member <b>206</b><i>a </i>in some embodiments.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, door <b>208</b> includes a door flange <b>209</b> extending radially outwardly from the center of the door panel. Door flange <b>209</b> provides a flange member that rests against the outward-facing portion <b>200</b><i>a </i>of door frame <b>200</b> when door <b>208</b> is in the closed position. Door <b>208</b> also includes an inner flange <b>211</b> protruding from the door panel toward the inside of the kennel when the door is in the closed position. Inner flange <b>211</b> provides an inwardly-extending flange that provides structural rigidity to the perimeter of door <b>208</b>. In some embodiments, inner flange <b>211</b> may engage an inward-facing portion of door frame <b>200</b><i>b </i>when door <b>208</b> is in the closed position. Door <b>208</b> may open about 180 degrees in some embodiments when first and second hinge members are in a substantially co-planar orientation.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28-29</figref>, kennel <b>10</b> in some embodiments is configured to include one or more side grilles <b>220</b>. Kennel <b>10</b> includes a plurality of side bars provided on the sides of kennel <b>10</b>. Side bars are separated by openings that allow air to pass into and out of the kennel for ventilation. Side bars may be oriented vertically or may also be oriented at an angle relative to the kennel. In some applications, the openings between side bars are large enough to allow animal extremities to pass between the bars. One or more removable side grilles are positioned on the kennel <b>10</b> to partially block the openings between side bars. Side grille <b>220</b> includes a porous panel with passages that allow air to pass through the panel. In some embodiments, side grille <b>220</b> includes a honeycomb profile with passages in the honeycomb pattern. Each side grille <b>220</b> may be secured to the interior of the kennel using one or more grille fasteners <b>221</b>. Each grille fastener <b>221</b> may engage a corresponding threaded socket in the kennel. Each threaded socket may be integrally formed in the kennel body. Each side grille <b>220</b> may also be secured to the kennel using other types of suitable attachments. In some embodiments, one or more self-tapping screws may be installed through corresponding holes in the side grille directly into the kennel wall material to secure the side grille <b>220</b> to the kennel.

Referring further to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30-32</figref>, in some embodiments, kennel <b>10</b> is configured to allow hinge <b>206</b> to be mounted on either side of the kennel to allow for right-handed or left-handed opening. For example, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, hinge <b>206</b> is mounted on the left side of the kennel such that the door <b>208</b> unlatches from the right side and pivots about an axis vertically aligned on the left side of the kennel. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, hinge <b>206</b> is mounted on the right side of the kennel such that the door <b>208</b> unlatches from the left side and pivots about an axis vertically aligned on the right side of the kennel. Frame <b>200</b> and door <b>208</b>, along with the hinge, the jamb plate and the strike plate form a door assembly that may be detached from the kennel body. The door assembly may be secured to the kennel using a plurality of frame fasteners that extend through holes in the frame and attach to threaded sockets in the upper and lower crate members. When the frame fasteners are removed, the frame assembly may be removed from the kennel as a complete unit in a first orientation <b>230</b><i>a</i>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>. The kennel opening and door assembly are symmetrical in some embodiments such that the door assembly may be simply flipped 180 degrees such that the latch and the hinge swap sides to achieve a second orientation <b>230</b><i>b</i>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>. From this position, the door assembly may be easily re-installed on the kennel using the same frame fasteners, but with the hinge on the opposite side of the previous orientation. This allows the door to be configured in both left-open and right-open configurations using the same hardware in an interchangeable manner.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Animal Enclosure with Removable Drain Plug it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following Claims